Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Beyond tariffs: Building a win-win relationship between the US and Iraq

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq is among the countries to face a 30 percent tariff starting August 1 on its exports to the United States.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Djibouti is the next arena for US-China competition in the Red Sea

By Emily Milliken

Washington could upgrade its Djibouti relationship and secure its foothold along some of the world’s most important waterways.

Africa China

MENASource

Jul 30, 2025

After Swaida: How Syria’s periphery is shaping its future

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

What comes next in Syria will not be determined by battlefield victories or summit declarations, but by the evolving realities on the ground.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jul 29, 2025

‘I can barely stand or make it through the day’: First-hand views of Gaza’s starvation

By Arwa Damon

Israel has systematically denied aid entry into Gaza, and perpetuated false narratives intended to discredit the humanitarian community.

Human Rights International Norms

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2025

Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on a trade deal with Trump, balancing the US and China, and peace with India

By Katherine Golden

Dar, the Pakistani foreign minister and deputy prime minister, spoke at the Atlantic Council during his trip to Washington to boost US-Pakistan ties.

Conflict Crisis Management

Testimony

Jul 24, 2025

Daniel B. Shapiro testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Daniel B. Shapiro testifies before the US Senate Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism on US diplomatic strategies for a dynamic Middle East.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

In a sectarian Syria, the winners should refrain from taking all

By Marie Forestier 

To avoid the complete supremacy of HTS-supporting Sunnis, it is crucial to adopt power-sharing mechanisms ensuring inclusiveness

Democratic Transitions International Norms

MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

An open wound, a fading light: Marking eleven years since the Yezidi genocide

By Pari Ibrahim and Murad Ismael

One consequence of the Middle East’s shifting landscape has been an erosion of international attention on Yezidi issues.

Human Rights International Norms

MENASource

Jul 23, 2025

Iran, China, Russia, and the collapse of deterrence in the Red Sea

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Multiple powers now patrol with different mandates, different rules, and increasingly different interpretations of acceptable behavior.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 22, 2025

Why the violence in my hometown, Swaida, goes beyond ‘rivalry.’

By Majd AlGhatrif

US officials described the events as “a rivalry” between Syria’s Druze and Bedouins. But this framing strips the crisis of its historical and political context.

Civil Society Conflict
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